Wi-Fi Hotspot Repeater

ABSTRACT

WiFi repeater devices described provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure that is configured to be mounted to a window that divides an outdoor area from an indoor area. The enclosure houses a 5 GHz WiFi client radio coupled with a high order MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antenna, the high order MIMO antenna transmitting and receiving data from a 5 GHz access point located in the outdoor area, and a 2.4 GHz WiFi access point radio coupled with a MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antenna, the MIMO antenna transmitting and receiving data from 2.4 GHz UEs located in the indoor area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of United StatesProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/047,640, filed on Sep. 8,2014, titled “Wi-Fi HOTSPOT REPEATER”, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety, including all references citedtherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology is generally related to a wireless networking,and more specifically, but not by way of limitation to a wirelessrepeater that is configured to be positioned on a window. The wirelessrepeater provides an access point/interface between outdoor hotspotsthat broadcast in 5 GHz frequency and indoor clients that use 2.4 GHzfrequency.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, the present technology is directed to arepeater device, comprising: (a) an enclosure that is configured to bemounted to a window that divides an outdoor area from an indoor area,the enclosure housing: (b) a 5 GHz WiFi client radio coupled with a highorder MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antenna, the high orderMIMO antenna transmitting and receiving data from a 5 GHz access pointlocated in the outdoor area; and (c) a 2.4 GHz WiFi access point radiocoupled with a MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antenna, the MIMOantenna transmitting and receiving data from 2.4 GHz UEs located in theindoor area.

According to other embodiments, the present technology is directed to arepeater device, comprising: (a) an enclosure that is configured to bemounted to a window that divides an outdoor area from an indoor area,the enclosure housing: (b) a first radio operating on a first frequency,the radio coupled with a first antenna, the first antenna transmittingand receiving data from an outdoor access point located in the outdoorarea; and (c) an access point radio coupled with a second antenna, thesecond antenna transmitting to and receiving data from UEs located inthe indoor area using a second frequency.

According to other embodiments, the present technology is directed to arepeater device, comprising: (a) an enclosure that is configured to bemounted to a window that divides an outdoor area from an indoor area,the enclosure housing: (b) a first radio operating on a first frequency,the radio coupled with a first antenna, the first antenna receiving datafrom an outdoor access point located in the outdoor area; (c) amicroprocessor that converts the data from the first frequency to asecond frequency and data from the second frequency to the firstfrequency; (d) an interface for coupling with a wireless router, thewireless router transmitting the converted data to UEs located in theindoor area using the second frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present technology are illustrated by theaccompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understandingof the technology or that render other details difficult to perceive maybe omitted. It will be understood that the technology is not necessarilylimited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a repeater device of the presenttechnology, as well as an outdoor access point and indoor UEs.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the repeater device of FIG. 1 mounted on awindow.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example repeater device, constructedin accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example repeater device that coupleswith an indoor wireless router.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another example repeater device thatcouples with an indoor wireless router.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to oneskilled in the art, that the disclosure may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shownat block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the disclosure.

In general, the present technology is directed to a repeater device thatfunctions as a communications gateway between outdoor hotspots, whichoperate at 5 GHz, and indoor UEs that utilize 2.4 GHz frequency forcommunication. Broadly, the present technology functions as aWiFi-to-home network gateway.

This repeater device provides a communications gateway that comprises afirst radio that operates a first frequency and a second radio thatoperates on a second frequency. The repeater device includes amicroprocessor that is configured to receive and convert data packetshaving the first frequency into the data packets having the secondfrequency. The repeater device then transmits the converted packets to2.4 GHz UEs in an indoor area.

Broadly, the microprocessor is configured to convert data packets from 5GHz to 2.4 GHz and from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz as needed. For example, datapackets received from the 5 GHz WiFi hotspot are converted into 2.4 GHzdata packets that are transmitted to UEs in the indoor area.

Similarly, data packets received from the UEs in 2.4 GHz frequency areconverted into 5 GHz data packets that are transmitted to the 5 GHz WiFihotspot. Again, the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies are merely examplefrequencies that can be used. The repeater device can be configured toconvert data packets between any two different frequencies andfacilitate transmission of the converted data packets between outdoorhotspots and indoor UEs.

With increasing deployment of Metro Wi-Fi hotspots in outdoor settings,it is desirable to leverage that infrastructure for indoor use. In thepast, attempts to connect from indoor clients to outdoor access pointshave been marginally successful. This lack of success is due, in part,to low power clients having low gain antennas that have difficultycoupling with outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots. These connectivity issues arecompounded when the path between the indoor client and the outdooraccess point is obstructed. For example, obstructions can cause a SNR(signal to noise) in the wireless that is marginal, resulting in a slowtransmission speed and high latency due to excessive packetre-transmission. That is, when the SNR is marginal to low, packetstransmitted between the indoor clients and outdoor access points arelost and must be re-transmitted.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 collectively, the present technology, in oneembodiment, comprises a window-mounted Wi-Fi repeater 300 that isconfigured to leverage outdoor hotspots for indoor use.

In one embodiment, the repeater 300 comprises a 5 GHz Wi-Fi client(e.g., node) radio 305, a microprocessor 310, memory 315, a 2.4 GHzWi-Fi access point radio 320, power conditioning circuitry 325, a 4×4MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) antenna 335, and a 2×2 MIMOantenna 340.

The 5 GHz Wi-Fi client radio 305 comprises a directional antenna that ispositioned toward the outside of the window to pick-up the signal fromthe 5 GHz access point. A high-order MIMO radio, such as the 4×4 MIMOantenna 335 is desirable in the 5 GHz WiFi client radio 305, as antennabeam-forming provided by a high order MIMO radio allows the maximum gainto be steered in a direction that is advantageous for the 5 GHz accesspoint to which the repeater 300 is coupled. The maximum gain point neednot be fixed necessarily normal to the window plane.

FIG. 2 illustrates antenna beam-forming relative to a beam-forming planethat is normal N to the window 205. The radiation of the antenna 335 canbe translated upwardly and/or downwardly (as well as side-to side) todirect the antenna radiation as needed. In one instance, the 5 GHzaccess point is not to be located in a direction that is perfectlylinear to the repeater 300. For example, the 5 GHz access point can beposition above, below, and/or to the side of the repeater 300.Beam-forming steers the antenna radiation towards the 5 GHz access pointso as to maximize signal strength.

Data packets received by the 5 GHz WiFi client radio 305 are processedthrough a microprocessor 310, and then relayed to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi accesspoint radio 320.

With antenna gain toward the inside of the home or office, the 2.4 GHzWi-Fi access point radio 320 re-transmits the data packets to wirelessdevices, such as 2.4 GHz User Equipment (UE) that have 2.4 GHz clientradios. In the reverse direction, upstream packets from the 2.4 GHz UEsare received by the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 of therepeater, over the 2.4 GHz wireless link, processed through themicroprocessor 310, and re-transmitted to the 5 GHz access point overthe 5 GHz wireless link.

Logic for converting the 5 GHz data packets to 2.4 GHz data packets, andvice-versa is stored in memory 315, as well as beam-forming logic. Themicroprocessor 310 executes the logic stored in memory 315 to accomplishfunctions such as beam-forming and data packet conversion, as needed.

In one embodiment, the repeater 300 is enclosed in a plastic enclosure302 that allows the 2.4 GHz signals (2.4 GHz WiFi Access Point AntennaPattern 210) and 5 GHz signals (5 GHz WiFi Client Radio Antenna Pattern215) to reach the respective radios with minimal loss. It is mounted toa window using double-sided adhesive tape 220, allowing it to be removedlater, but providing adequate strength for reliable attachment. Othersuitable methods for attaching the repeater 300 to a window or otherportion of a structure are also likewise contemplated for use inaccordance with the present technology.

In one embodiment, the window separates an outdoor area 225 from anindoor area 230. The 5 GHz access point is position in the outdoor areaand the 2.4 GHz UEs are positioned in the indoor area. The 4×4 MIMOantenna 335 transmits and receives data from a 5 GHz access pointlocated in the outdoor area, while the 2×2 MIMO antenna 340 transmitsand receives data from a 2.4 GHz UEs located in the indoor area. In oneembodiment, the repeater 300 is positioned on the inside of the windowwithin the indoor area. For example, the 5 GHz access point is locatedin an outside area such as a street lamp, an antenna tower, a buildingtop or other common outdoor location/structure.

The 4×4 MIMO antenna 335 is disposed proximate an outdoor facing surface304 of the enclosure of the repeater 300. Also, the 2×2 MIMO antenna 340is disposed proximate an indoor facing surface 306 of the enclosure ofthe repeater 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the 5 GHz WiFi client radio 305 transmits andreceives data packets through an outdoor oriented surface of theenclosure. The outdoor oriented surface of the enclosure is positionedproximate to and facing the window. The 2.4 GHz WiFi access point radio320 transmits and receives data packets through an indoor orientedsurface of the enclosure. The indoor oriented surface is positionedopposite the outdoor oriented surface.

A data cable such as CAT5E is used to connect the repeater 300 to apower-over-Ethernet wall adapter, such as wall adapter 350, which adaptsAC power to low-voltage DC power to operate one or more radios. The datacable coupling the repeater with the wall adapter can comprise a PoE(power over Ethernet) cable. For context, PoE uses an 8-conductor cablethat carries both power and Ethernet over four twisted pairs.

The data cable from the repeater 300 could alternatively be a simpletwo-conductor version and the wall adapter can be a simple AC powerconverter such as those used for other DC-powered devices. The repeater300 can use the power conditioning circuitry 325 to adapt the AC powerto DC power.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the repeater 300 can becommunicatively coupled with a wireless router 380 that functions as anindoor access point for 2.4 GHz devices located indoors, such as in ahome, office, or other building. Thus, the repeater 300 may not requirethe 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320, but may use a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fiaccess point radio of the wireless router 380. The repeater 300 cancouple with the wireless router also using another data cable 385 thatextends from the wall adapter 350. In another embodiment, rather thanusing a physical data cable 385, the repeater 300 can communicate withthe wireless router 380 using the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320such that the repeater can be coupled with an existing wireless router380 in a building. The wireless router 380 will then transmit andreceive data from 2.4 GHz UEs in the building.

In some embodiments, the repeater can couple with a dual-band wirelessrouter (e.g., both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The distance between the repeaterand the wireless router allows a 5 GHz client and a 5 GHz access pointto coexist, without synchronization, provided they are on differentchannels and far enough apart. This would not be feasible when theclient and access point are within the same enclosure though.

In some embodiments, the repeater device 300 (and more specifically themicroprocessor) can be configured to provide firewall or other similarsecurity features. That is, the repeater device 300 provides the abilityto create a private network within the indoor area using the 2.4 GHzWi-Fi access point radio 320. Indeed, there may be numerous 2.4 GHz UEsthat are joined to the private network created by the repeater device300. Thus, the repeater device 300 employs network security features toprevent access to the private network from other users that may be usingthe 5 GHz access point. Similarly, the repeater device 300 canselectively prevent network traffic created on the private network frombeing transmitted over the 5 GHz network of the 5 GHz access point.Therefore, the repeater device 300 is advantageously capable ofproviding network address translation functionality to bridgecommunications between the 5 GHz network of the 5 GHz access point andthe private network created for the UEs.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a repeater system 300 whereportions are divided between an enclosure 302 and a wall adapter 350.For example, the enclosure 302 can include the microprocessor 310 and 5GHz WiFi Client Radio 305, as well as power conditioning circuitry 325and memory 315. The 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 and power overEthernet adapter 355 are positioned in a wall adapter 350. In someembodiments, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 can include a dualband radio that utilizes both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.

The 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 can therefore electrically andcommunicatively couple with the components positioned within theenclosure 302, such as the microprocessor 310 using a power overEthernet cable 360, or other similar physical power and data connectionthat would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The walladapter 350 that comprises the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 andpower over Ethernet adapter 355 can be referred to as a PoE gateway.

According to some embodiments, the repeaters described herein can beconfigured to reduce or eliminate interference on 5 GHz channels. Forexample, the repeaters can implement a PoE gateway as described abovewhich coordinates with the 5 GHz outdoor access point a roof of a house,to coordinate 5 GHz channels so as to not cause interference. Forexample, the microprocessor of the repeater can be configured to pick anew channel when instructed by the 5 GHz access point and dynamicallymaintaining this function as the outdoor access point may changechannels over time.

This methodology is distinguished from clear channel selection methodswhere an AP or other wireless networking device will scan for an optimalclear channel upon boot up or initialization and/or periodically.

In one embodiment, the 5 GHz WiFi Client Radio 305 receives data fromthe 5 GHz access point on a first channel. The microprocessor 310 willutilize the first channel and instruct the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access pointradio 320 to utilize the first channel until instructed to changechannels.

According to some embodiments, the 5 GHz access point may determine toselect a new channel. For example, if another outdoor access point orother wireless AP in the area begins to utilize portions of thefrequency spectrum currently utilized by the 5 GHz outdoor access point,the outdoor access point may selectively change the portion of thespectrum that it utilizes by selecting a new or updated channel.

The outdoor access point transmits a channel change signal that isreceived by the repeater 300. The repeater 300 receives the channelchange signal using the 5 GHz WiFi Client Radio 305. The microprocessor310 detects the channel change request and then transmits a request tochange of the first channel used by the first radio (5 GHz WiFi ClientRadio 305) and the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 (also referred toas an access point radio) to a second channel. The UEs communicatingwith the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 will detect the channelchange and adjust their communication procedures as necessary. In sum,the channel change process includes propagation of a channel changerequest from the outdoor access point to the window mounted repeaterthat includes a 5 GHz WiFi Client Radio. The 5 GHz WiFi Client Radiopropagates the channel change request to a second 5 GHz WiFi accesspoint radio disposed in a wall adapter. The channel change request isthen propagated out to the UEs that are communicatively coupled with the5 GHz WiFi access point radio.

To be sure, the 5 GHz WiFi Client Radio 305 can be collocated in thesame enclosure with the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320, such as inenclosure 302. In other embodiments, the 5 GHz WiFi Client Radio 305 canbe disposed with the enclosure 302 while the 5 GHz Wi-Fi access pointradio 320 is disposed within the wall adapter 350.

In another example embodiment, the wall adapter 350 of FIG. 5 couldcomprise a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio, rather than a 5 GHz Wi-Fiaccess point radio 320. The microprocessor 310 can be utilized tocontrol the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access point radio 320 as required.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularembodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced inother embodiments that depart from these specific details.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or“according to one embodiment” (or other phrases having similar import)at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Furthermore, depending on the context ofdiscussion herein, a singular term may include its plural forms and aplural term may include its singular form. Similarly, a hyphenated term(e.g., “on-demand”) may be occasionally interchangeably used with itsnon-hyphenated version (e.g., “on demand”), a capitalized entry (e.g.,“Software”) may be interchangeably used with its non-capitalized version(e.g., “software”), a plural term may be indicated with or without anapostrophe (e.g., PE's or PEs), and an italicized term (e.g., “N+1”) maybe interchangeably used with its non-italicized version (e.g., “N+1”).Such occasional interchangeable uses shall not be consideredinconsistent with each other.

Also, some embodiments may be described in terms of “means for”performing a task or set of tasks. It will be understood that a “meansfor” may be expressed herein in terms of a structure, such as aprocessor, a memory, an I/O device such as a camera, or combinationsthereof. Alternatively, the “means for” may include an algorithm that isdescriptive of a function or method step, while in yet other embodimentsthe “means for” is expressed in terms of a mathematical formula, prose,or as a flow chart or signal diagram.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

It is noted at the outset that the terms “coupled,” “connected”,“connecting,” “electrically connected,” etc., are used interchangeablyherein to generally refer to the condition of beingelectrically/electronically connected. Similarly, a first entity isconsidered to be in “communication” with a second entity (or entities)when the first entity electrically sends and/or receives (whetherthrough wireline or wireless means) information signals (whethercontaining data information or non-data/control information) to thesecond entity regardless of the type (analog or digital) of thosesignals. It is further noted that various figures (including componentdiagrams) shown and discussed herein are for illustrative purpose only,and are not drawn to scale.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, thepresent descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwiseappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth andscope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A repeater device, comprising: an enclosure thatis configured to be mounted to a window that divides an outdoor areafrom an indoor area, the enclosure housing: a 5 GHz WiFi client radiocoupled with a high order MIMO (multiple input, multiple output)antenna, the high order MIMO antenna transmitting and receiving datafrom a 5 GHz access point located in the outdoor area; and a 2.4 GHzWiFi access point radio coupled with a MIMO (multiple input, multipleoutput) antenna, the MIMO antenna transmitting and receiving data from2.4 GHz UEs located in the indoor area.
 2. The repeater device accordingto claim 1, wherein the repeater device comprises a microprocessor thatis configured to convert 5 GHz data received by the 5 GHz WiFi clientradio into 2.4 GHz data.
 3. The repeater device according to claim 2,wherein the repeater device comprises a microprocessor that isconfigured to convert 2.4 GHz data received by the 2.4 GHz WiFi accesspoint radio into 5 GHz data.
 4. A repeater device, comprising: anenclosure that is configured to be mounted to a window that divides anoutdoor area from an indoor area, the enclosure housing: a first radiooperating on a first frequency, the radio coupled with a first antenna,the first antenna transmitting and receiving data from an outdoor accesspoint located in the outdoor area; and an access point radio coupledwith a second antenna, the second antenna transmitting to and receivingdata from UEs located in the indoor area using a second frequency. 5.The repeater device according to claim 4, wherein the repeater devicecomprises a microprocessor that is configured to convert data having thefirst frequency received by the first radio into data having the secondfrequency.
 6. The repeater device according to claim 5, wherein therepeater device comprises a microprocessor that is configured to convertdata having the second frequency received by the access point radio intodata having the first frequency.
 7. The repeater device according toclaim 4, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency aredifferent from one another.
 8. The repeater device according to claim 5,wherein the first frequency is 5 GHz and the second frequency is 2.4GHz.
 9. The repeater device according to claim 4, further comprising adata cable coupled to the repeater device and a wall adapter.
 10. Therepeater device according to claim 4, wherein the first antenna isdisposed proximate the window and the second antenna is disposed awayfrom the window.
 11. The repeater device according to claim 4, whereinthe first antenna uses beam-forming to direct its radiation in adirection that is parallel and relative to a beam-forming plane that isnormal N to the window.
 12. The repeater device according to claim 4,wherein the first antenna is a high order MIMO antenna, and furtherwherein the first antenna uses beam-forming which allows a maximum gainfor radiation produced by the first antenna to be steered in a directionthat is advantageous for communicating with the outdoor access point.13. The repeater device according to claim 4, wherein the microprocessoris configured to implement firewall policies to secure a private networkcreated by the repeater device for the UEs located in the indoor area.14. The repeater device according to claim 4, wherein the first radioreceives the data on a first channel from the outdoor access point,further wherein the microprocessor is configured to: receive a channelchange signal from the first radio transmitted by the outdoor accesspoint; and request a change of the first channel used by the first radioand the access point radio to a second channel.
 15. The repeater deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the repeater device transmits a signalchange signal to the UEs informing the UEs of the change to the secondchannel.
 16. The repeater device according to claim 4, wherein wirelessinterface is disposed within a wall adapter that can electrically couplewith an electrical outlet.
 17. The repeater device according to claim16, wherein the wall adapter comprises a power over Ethernet adapterthat electrically and communicatively couples the wireless interfacewith the microprocessor and first radio using a power over Ethernetconnection.
 18. A repeater device, comprising: an enclosure that isconfigured to be mounted to a window that divides an outdoor area froman indoor area, the enclosure housing: a first radio operating on afirst frequency, the radio coupled with a first antenna, the firstantenna receiving data from an outdoor access point located in theoutdoor area; a microprocessor that converts the data from the firstfrequency to a second frequency and data from the second frequency tothe first frequency; and a wireless interface for coupling with awireless router, the wireless router transmitting the converted data toUEs located in the indoor area using the second frequency.
 19. Therepeater device according to claim 18, wherein the first frequency andthe second frequency are different from one another.